This year’s Cuts 4 Cancer at the Chop Shop is coming up on February 3, and even though a number of supportive residents are going all out for the day collecting pledges, organizers stress you don’t have to go bald to give to the cause.
Cuts 4 Cancer has given thousands of dollars to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation to support cancer patients. This year they are aiming at raising $20,000 at the one-day event.
Tracy Gendron says the driver of the event is for people to come to the Chop Shop on Wednesday, February 3 and simply get a haircut anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The funds from these haircuts will to go to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation to support a fund they keep to support those with cancer and their families to help them cope financially during their battle. Families can apply, for example, if their loved one is undergoing cancer treatment out of town and they are in need of support for some eligible expenses incurred.
While the bread and butter of the event is donating the funds a person would usually pay for a haircut, there are some notable exceptions. This year, organizer Cathy Morse’s husband Rod is going under the razor, and is collecting pledges.
Gendron says while the pace of pledges is brisk, they expect a flurry of activity come the day of the events.
“It is going to be quite a surprise because we said the highest bidder will get the first swipe (at Rod) with the clippers, so I am thinking when he comes in there is going to be a full shop and maybe a bidding war,” laughs Gendron.
Another to look out for, says Gendron, is Walter Albrecht. The regular Passion Play volunteer player participated last year, and it looks like he is on track to bring a substantial contribution to the event.
"He has come in for probably 10 pledge sheets already,” says Gendron.
This year they are also hosting a raffle to raise funds for the cause. A Chop Shop supplier has donated almost $1,000 worth of product, and they are selling tickets on three different prize packages.
The Cuts 4 Cancer has become a tradition in the valley started by Cathy Morse in memory of her mother who passed away after a battle with cancer. Funds from previous events have gone to the Palliative Care Unit’s Bariatric room, and lounge at the Drumheller Health Centre, as well as the cancer unit.